Finishing wheels



July 15, 1969 J. A. BELANGER FINISHING WHEELS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. '7, 1965 INVENTOR.

JAMES A. BELANGER A TORNEYS J. A. BELANGER July 15, 1969 FINI SHING WHEELS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 7, 1965 FIG. 5

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INVENTOR. JAMES A. BELANGER 4 fiORNEYS United States Patent 3,455,068 FINISHING WHEELS James A. Belanger, 17502 Rexwood, Livonia, Mich. 48152 Filed Sept. 7, 1965, Ser. No. 485,497 Int. Cl. B24b 9/02; B05c 1/00 U.S. Cl. 51-337 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The finishing tool includes a rotary carrier having an axis and a pair of axially spaced apart end plates, each plate having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending outwardly opening slots. The plates are connected by a plurality of anchor pins which are received in the slots. A plurality of generally radially extending finishing flaps are connected to the anchor pins.

This invention relates to a finishing Wheel or tool and more particularly to a power driven wheel or tool for finishing metal or other relatively hard surfaces. The invention is particularly adapted for buffing wheels, polishing wheels and like apparatuses for effecting grinding, polishing, brushing, buffing, burnishing and other surfacing operations.

Many of the finishing wheels presently available on the market have certain deficiencies which contribute to the fact that the wheels do not maintain their balance. This is due to the fact that the finishing flaps are not uniformly spaced at the point of attachment to the hub or core. An unbalanced wheel regardless of the cause does not perform an effective or desirable surfacing operation.

The present invention illustrates two forms of finishing wheels which have overcome the aforementioned problems. The finishing wheel of each embodiment maintains its balance throughout its useful life, because the design of each wheel insures uniform distribution of the finishing units or flaps around the hub or core.

One embodiment of the present invention is characterized by utilizing a rotary carrier provided with a series of circumferentially extending outwardly opening grooves. A plurality of axially extending angularly spaced openings are provided in the carrier intermediate the outer periphery of the carrier and the bottom of the grooves. Each opening consists of a plurality of annular bearing points. Located in the bearing points of each opening is a mounting element such as a pin to which a finishing flap is appropriately connected. Each flap and corresponding pin are arranged to pivot with respect to the aforementioned bearing points of the carrier through a small but predetermined angular extent to help maintain the wheel in proper balance.

The other embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having a cartridge consisting of two end plates or fixtures which .are spaced axially apart. Each plate is provided in the outer periphery thereof with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending outwardly opening slots. Extending between the aligned pairs of corresponding slots in the end plates are a plurality of .anchor pins or elements for mounting the flaps of the finishing tool. Both end plates or fixtures serve several important functions. First of all, the end plates locate each anchor pin at a particular angular location on the periphery or circumference of the wheel. Secondly, the end plates form a five-way lock so that each pin cannot move radially inwardly toward the axis of the tool or move circumferentially in either direction or move lengthwise in either direction parallel to the rotary axis of the wheel. With such a construction the "ice pins are only adapted to move radially outwardly but such movement is prevented by the use of end caps or covers provided with .annular grooves which receive the ends of the pins extending beyond the outer surfaces of the end plates or fixtures. The finishing flaps are in turn appropriately connected to the pins and are arranged close together in a pack. The finishing tool or Wheel is in balance and such balance is maintained because the pins and flaps are maintained in a fixed position.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a wheel which will remain in balance throughout its useful life.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool comprising a rotary carrier having a plurality of circumferentially extending endless grooves in the outer surface of the carrier, a plurality of mounting elements extending axially through the grooves and pivotally carried by the carrier, a plurality of generally radially extending finishing flaps having inner and outer ends, each flap being provided with retainer means on the inner end thereof which is received in the grooves, said mounting elements extending through the retainer means of the finishing flaps so as to constitute the sole means for pivotally mounting the finishing flaps.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein each of the retainer means is in the form of a belt lacing having a plurality of closed loops and each of the mounting elements is in the form of an elongated pin.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein the grooves are of uniform depth.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool comprising a rotary carrier having an axis and a pair of axially spaced end plates, said plates having a plurality of radially extending outwardly opening slots therein, the slots in one of the plates being axially aligned with the corresponding slots in the other of the plates, the plates at the bottom of the slots forming retainer means, a plurality of axially extending elongated pins in the slots and fixedly carried by said plates, said pins each having a pair of radially extending downwardly openings slots therein which receive the corresponding retainer means on the plates, and a plurality of generally radially extending finishing flaps connected to the pins.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein the axial ends of the pins extend radially outwardly beyond the outer surfaces of the plates.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein a pair of end covers are provided, each cover having an endless groove therein on the inner surface thereof, each cover being mounted adjacent the outer surface of one of the plates with the ends of the pins extending from said one plate received in the corresponding groove.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein the covers are in surface to surface contact with the plates.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide afinishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein some of the pins are provided with teeth which engage the inner surfaces of the flaps.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing tool of the aforementioned type wherein each of the pins is connected to a finishing flap by means of a Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a pre ferred form of the present invention is clearly shown.

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation of the finishing tool illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of the finishing tool illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGURE 6 is a front elevation of the finishing tool illustrated in FIGURE 5, with parts broken away to illustrate important features thereof.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view of the finishing tool taken on the line 7--7 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary view partly in section illustrating the manner in which an anchor pin is connected to a fixture or end plate of the finishing tool.

FIGURE 9 is a view, partly in section, taken on the line 99 of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary view partly in section illustrating a resilient clip for connecting a flap to the corresponding anchor pin of a finishing tool.

FIGURES 1-4 illustrate one form of finishing wheel or tool 10. The tool 10 includes, as an example, a onepiece cylindrical hub or carrier 12 having a rotary axis 14. The hub 12, which can also be constructed with more than one piece, is made from a suitable metal such as aluminum or plastic material such as nylon by, as an example, an injection molding operation. An axial bore 16 extends completely through the center of the carrier 12, with the opposite ends thereof enlarged or counterbored to form recesses 18 in the two end faces or surfaces 20 and 22 as best illustrated in FIGURE 4. The hub or carrier 12 is adapted to be mounted on and appropriately secured to a power driven drive shaft, not shown, which extends through bore 16, in a manner well known and understood in the art.

The outer periphery 24 of the carrier 12 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially extending endless grooves 26, as an example, a total of eight grooves 26 as shown in FIGURE 3. The grooves 26 are of uniform depth and each groove 26 includes an inner or bottom endless surface 28 arranged on a radius R as shown in FIGURE 2. The grooves 26 are separated by radially extending relatively thin rims or walls 30 which are integral with the main portion of the carrier 12.

The carrier or hub 12 is further provided with a plurality of laterally extending circumferentially spaced holes or openings 32 having their centers arranged in a circle having a radius R as best illustrated in FIGURE 2. The holes 32 are spaced circumferentially apart an equal distance. As an example, for a carrier having 60 openings 32, each opening 32 would be spaced 6 from adjacent openings. Each opening 32 extends through the end face 20, rims 30 and end face 22 intermediate the outer periphery 24 of the hub 12 and the bottom surfaces 28 of grooves 26 so as to form a plurality of spaced annular bearing points. FIGURE 3 illustrates each opening 32 as having, as an example, seven bearing points 29 intermediate the two end bearing points 31.

A plurality of elongated pivot pins 34 of circular cross section are mounted in each of the aforementioned openings 32 and upon which are mounted a series of replaceable finishing flaps 36. The pins 32 may be made from a fibrous or plastic material or from a suitable metal. The

finishing flaps 36 may be made from any suitable material presently utilized such as leather, cloth, sisal, coated abrasive cloth or other fibrous material or fabric. The material may be dipped in a solution of resin or other suitable materials so as to vary the hardness of the flap as is conventional in the art.

Each flap 36 is of U-shaped cross section with opposite sides thereof appropriately secured together, as an example by means of staples 38 as shown in FIGURE 3. The inner end of each flap 36 is provided with suitable retainer means 40 in the form of a belt lacing 42. The belt lacing 42 includes a plurality of closed loops or elements 44 corresponding in number to the number of grooves 26 provided in the outer periphery 24 of the hub 12. Continuing with the aforementioned example, eight such elements or loops 44 are provided on each flap 36 and are received in the corresponding eight grooves 26 as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4. The belt lacing 42 may be clinched or otherwise secured to the flap 36. After each flap 36 has been provided with the belt lacing 42 in the manner just described the flap 36 is inserted in the carrier 12 with all eight loops 44 received within the grooves 26. Thereafter a pin 34 is inserted through an opening 32 so as to extend through the end surface 20, rims 30, the

loops 44 of the belt lacing 42 and finally through the end surface 22 of the carrier 12 as best illustrated in FIG URE 4.

The flaps 36 are thus supported by pins 34 so that their ends extend radially outwardly. In addition the flaps 36 are arranged in side by side relationship so as to form a pack of finishing fiaps on the hub 12. By arranging the flaps 36 and pivot pins 34 in the manner just described the flaps 36 are mounted for relatively slight but a predetermined amount of circumferential movement. The amount of movement is dependent on the number of flaps 36 utilized and the location of adjacent flaps 36.

It has been found that the finishing tool 10 remains in balance throughout the normal life of the finishing flaps 36. It is believed that this balance is attained due to the fact that the flaps 36 are mounted for a relatively small but a predetermined amount of circumferential movement. It should be noted that the component parts of the finishing tool 10 are constructed and arranged so that the flaps 36 may be readily replaced from time to time as they wear out. To replace the used flaps 36 on the carrier 12 it is first necessary to remove all of the pins 34 and thereby permit the flaps 36 to be withdrawn from the carrier 12. Thereafter new finishing fiaps 36 are mounted on the carrier 12 in a manner described heretofore. A punch or other suitable tool may be used to assist in removing the pins 34.

It should also be understood that other types of pivot mountings may be utilized in order to pivotally mount the flaps 36 on the carrier 12.

When the tool 10 is to be used, the operator, after connecting the tool 10 to a source of power, brings the rotating carrier into proximity with the work, with its axis of rotation substantially parallel with the surface to be treated, until the ends of the flaps 36 contact the surface as is well known in the art.

FIGURES 5-10 inclusive illustrate another form of a finishing wheel or tool designated by the numeral 50. The wheel 50 has an axis 51 and includes a cartridge or cage consisting of a pair of relatively thin and flat end plates or fixtures 52 and 54. Each plate 52 and S4 is of identical construction and is in the form of annulus or ring. Each piate 52 and 54 includes an outside radius R; and an inside radius R, as illustrated in FIGURE 6. The outer periphery of each plate 52 and 54 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending, outwardly opening slots 56. The bottom surface 58 of each slot 56 is generally located on the radius R as best illustrated in FIGURE 6. The slots 56 are equally spaced apart, as an example, every six degrees, and are located anchor pins or elements 62 which are inserted in corresponding pairs of aligned slots 56 in the end plates or fixtures 52 and 54. Each elongated pin 62 is of substantially rectangular cross section and includes an inner edge 64 and an outer edge 66. The opposite ends of each pin 62 is provided with inwardly extending notches 67 in the inner edge 64. Each pin 62 is inserted into a pair of aligned slots 56 in end plates 52 and 54, with the notches 67 fitting over and firmly engaging the retainer means or abutments 60 as best illustrated in FIGURES 7 and 8.

Slots 56 are of uniform depth and width and each slot includes a pair of generally radially extending side walls 68 and 70 which are connected by the aforementioned bottom surface 58 adjacent the retainer means or abutment 60. Each pin 62 is anchored or fixed in a pair of laterally aligned slots 56 in the end plates and completely fills the slots, with the outer edge 66 of the pin 62 even with the outer periphery of the end plates located on radius R Each pin 62 is provided on the inner edge 64 with inwardly extending prongs or projections 74, as an example, three in number. Finishing flaps 76 are appropriately connected to the anchor pins 62. The finishing flaps 76 are of U-shaped configuration with opposite sides thereof appropriately connected together around pins 62, as an example by means of staples 78 as shown in FIGURES 7 and 9. The flaps 76 may be made from any suitable material presently utilized such as sisal, coated abrasive cloth, cloth or other suitable fibrous materials or fabrics. The material may be dipped in a solution of resin or other suitable materials so as to vary the hardness of the flaps as is conventional in the art. The finishing flaps 76 extend radially outwardly and may be of any predetermined length. The finishing flaps 76 are also arranged in side by side relationship so as to form a relatively tight pack of finishing fiaps. The prongs 74 provided on the pins 62 grip the inner surface of the finishing flaps 76 so as to hold the inner ends of the flaps 76 in a fixed position.

The end plates or fixtures 52 and 54 serve a number of important functions. The end plates locate each anchor pin 62 at a particular angular location on the periphery or circumference of the wheel. Thus a pair of aligned slots 56 locate the corresponding pin 62 at a given location on the circumference of the plates 52 and 54. The end plates 52 lock each pin 62 so that the pin cannot move radially inwardly toward the axis of the tool 50 or move circumferentially in either direction, or move lengthwise in either direction parallel to the rotary axis 51.

The plates 52 and 54 thus form a five-way lock with respect to each pin 62. The plates 52 and 54 prevent each pin 62 from moving radially inwardly as well as lengthwise in both directions parallel to the axis 51 due to the engagement of the abutments 60 with the surfaces defining the slots 67 in the pin 62. In addition the side surfaces of each pin 62 are in surface to surface contact with the side walls 68 and 70 of corresponding pair of aligned slots 56. With such a construction the pins 62 are prevented from moving circumferentially or sideways in opposite directions. While the pins 62 are adapted to move radially outwardly such movement is prevented by the provision of a pair of end caps or covers 80. Each end cap or cover 80 is provided with a circumferentially extending endless groove 82 which is adapted to receive the overhanging end portions 84 of the pins 62 which project laterally beyond the outer surfaces of the end plates or fixtures 52 and 54. The grooves 82 have a uniform depth equal to the length of the overhanging portions 84. The outside diameter of the grooves 82 is approximately equal to the outside diameter of the end plates 52 and 54 while the inside diameter of the grooves 82 is approximately equal to the outside diameter of the end plates less the width of two pins 62 measured along the diameter of the wheel.

Each cover 80 further includes an annular rim 86 which engages the edges of the finishing flaps 76 as best illustrated in FIGURE 7. Each cover is provided with a centrally located hole or opening 88. The tool 50 is adapted to be mounted on and appropriately secured to a power driven shaft not shown, which extends through the centrally located openings in the wheel 50, in a manner well known and understood in the art.

The cartridge or cage including the end plates 52 and 54, pins 62, and finishing flaps 76 form a unit which is replaceable after wear. The end covers 80 which engage the outer surfaces of the end plates 52 and 54 when assembled as tool 50 are reuseable with new cartridges.

The end plates 52 and 54, and pins 62 are made, as an example, from steel of sufiicient strength which will withstand all of the forces normally encountered when the tool is used at high speeds in a surfacing operation. The end covers 80 may be made from aluminum or other suitable metals. The end plates 52 and 54 do not bend or buckle under normal use. The pins 62 also withstand the extreme forces tending to bend or buckle same laterally or lengthwise. Thus the cartridge is constructed and arranged to resist continuously the relatively extreme forces which are applied when the wheel 50 is rotated at high speeds in a conventional surfacing operation.

When all of the finishing flaps 76 are in place, the side surfaces of each flap are disposed in bearing engagement with the surfaces of the flaps 76 on each side. Each flap 76 thus reinforces and strengthens the others against any excessive circumferential bending at the secured ends. The rims 86 on the covers 80 help to fix the inner ends of flaps 76.

The finishing tool 50 is balanced due to the aforementioned features and such balance is maintained due in part to the fact that the pins 62 and finishing flaps 76 are maintained in a fixed position.

FIGURE 10 illustrates another way of connecting a finishing flap 76 to an anchor pin 62 rather than using staples 78. A resiliently biased spring steel clip 90 of U shaped cross section is inserted over the inner end of the folded flap 76 so as to urge the sides of the flap 76 firmly against the pin 62.

It should also be appreciated that other forms of retainers may be utilized to prevent the pins 62 from moving radially outwardly. As an example, a retainer in the form of a ring or annulus could be utilized around the outer periphery of the overhanging end portions 84 of the pins 62 to prevent same from moving radially outwardly.

It has been found through actual use under normal operating conditions that the wheel 50 has a useful life substantially greater than that of similar wheels. Such tests have indicated that the pins 62 do not twist or turn and that no ripping of the flaps 76 occurs.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description of the improved finishing wheels in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, the scope of which is indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A finishing tool comprising a rotary carrier having an axis, said carrier consisting of a pair of axially spaced end plates, said plates having a plurality of radially extending outwardly opening slots therein, the slots in one of said plates being axially aligned with the corresponding slots in the other of said plates, said plates at the bottom of said slots forming retainer means, a plurality of axially extending elongated pins in said slots and fixedly carried by said plates, said pins each having a pair of radially extending downwardly opening slots therein which receive the corresponding retainer means on said plates, and a plurality of generally radially extending finishing flaps connected to said pins.

2. The finishing tool defined in claim 1 wherein the axial ends of said pins extends radially outwardly beyond the outer surfaces of said plates.

3. The finishing tool defined in claim 2 wherein a pair of end covers are provided, each cover having an endless 7 groove therein on the inner surface thereof, each cover being mounted adjacent one of said plates with the ends of said pins extending from said one plate received in the corresponding groove.

4. The finishing tool defined in claim 3 wherein said 5 covers are in surface to surface contact with said plates.

5. The finishing tool defined in claim 1 wherein some of said pins are provided with teeth which engage the flaps.

6. The finishing tool defined in claim 5 wherein each of said pins is provided with one or more teeth.

7. The finishing tool defined in claim 1 wherein each of said pins is connected to a finishing flap by means of a pressure clip which engages the pin and flap.

8. A finishing tool comprising a rotary carrier having an axis, said carrier consisting of a pair of axially spaced end plates, said plates having a plurality of radially extending outwardly opening slots therein, the slots in one of said plates being axially aligned with the correspond ing slots in the other of said plates, said plates at the bottom of said slots forming retainer means, a plurality of transversely extending elongated pins located partially in said slots and fixedly carried by said plates, said pins forming the sole connections between said plates, said pins each having a pair of radially extending downwardly opening slots therein which receive the corresponding retainer means on said plates, and a plurality of generally radially extending finishing flaps connected to said pins. References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 25,025 8/1961 Bernstein 51-337 Re. 25,026 8/1961 Bernstein 51337 1,897,971 2/1933 Johnston 51-337 2,035,042 3/ 1936 Bridgeman 51-337 2,174,385 9/ 1939 Holmes 51-337 2,259,475 10/ 1941 Koether 51337 2,785,516 3/ 1957 Hendrickson 15-23014 3,058,269 10/ 1962 Block 51337 LESTER M. SWINGLE, Primary Examiner G. KELLY, Assistant Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 15230. 14 

